Parma vs Juventus preview - Giaccherini - Make Crociati clash count

Posted Wednesday, February 15, 2012 by PA

Juventus midfielder Emanuele Giaccherini has called on his team-mates to make Wednesday's rescheduled clash at Parma count as they look to go back to the top of Serie A.

The match at the Ennio Tardini stadium was originally due to be played last month, but was postponed due to bad weather in Parma.

Juve go into the encounter unbeaten and fully rested after their game at Bologna on Sunday was called off because of heavy snow.

Juve sit two points behind league leaders AC Milan, who beat Udinese 2-1 at the weekend.

However, the Turin giants have two games in hand.

"This is a testing period for us," Giaccherini said. "We have two games to recover while we will also be competing in the Coppa Italia this month.

"We will be playing so many games in a short space of time this month and this could be crucial.

"We are ready. We have a good squad and I'm sure everyone will give their all to help the team succeed.

"It's true that Milan are playing a great campaign, but we are only focusing on ourselves and not on others."

Winger Simone Pepe has been rested for the clash with a minor knock, but Juventus coach Antonio Conte welcomes back strikers Alessandro Matri and Mirco Vucinic from injury.

Opponents Parma go into the game on the back of a 2-1 triumph at Chievo.

The Ducale club, coached by Roberto Donadoni, have lost just one of their last nine league games and lie 13th in the standings.

"We are ready to face Juventus," Parma defender Massimo Gobbi said. "They are a fantastic team who are battling for the scudetto.

"But we are doing well and gaining confidence week by week.

"We will need to use the same tactics Juventus will use against us to try to stop them.

"We need to play at a high tempo, fully concentrated and showing plenty of determination."